AN office worker was forced from a moving vehicle by men wanted in connection to two thefts.

A white Leyland Convoy van was broken into at Futures Park in Bacup and a bag stolen 30 minutes before a violent theft took place in Rawtenstall at lunchtime on Wednesday.

Police said both incidents involved a small red/burgundy coloured van.

During the second incident, police said the offender was disturbed by an office worker at premises in New Hall Hey when he tried to grab a bag.

The worker gave chase and grappled with him as he got into the van.

As the van began to drive away the victim was forced out when it was still moving, suffering minor injuries to his leg.

Sgt Ben Hodgkinson from Rossendale police said: “It is only good fortune that the victim in the second theft was not seriously hurt.

“The thieves were willing to risk serious harm to another person in order to get away.”

The van is described as a ‘P’ registered red/maroon vehicle which could be a Citroen Berlingo type.

The thief was described as a white male in his late 30s around 6ft tall, of medium build with either a shaven or bald head.

He was wearing a black shiny tracksuit top and grey tracksuit bottoms.

One of the other four offenders was described as a white male in his late 20s, overweight with darker hair.

Contact the police on 0845 1 25 35 45, or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 with any information.